Are you looking to get your kids outside and playing in nature? Are you happy to pack a towel, change of clothes for your kids to get dirty or wet with water play? Nature play has so many benefits including sensory stimulation and it encourages play-based investigation and discovery in nature. We’ve created a list of local nature-based playgrounds around Melville for you to visit with your little ones.
Shirley Strickland Reserve, Ardross
- Where: 100 Coogee Road, Ardross
- Fenced? No
- Toilets? Yes
- Picnic tables? Yes
- BBQs? Yes
Shirley Strickland Reserve has recently been redeveloped into a naturescape playground that sits under the shade of established trees in the shady suburb of Ardross. The main tower structure holds an enclosed slide and there’s plenty of low-lying nature-inspired play equipment to choose from including stepping stones, totem poles, balance beams and rustic tee pee. There’s also a short double concrete slide for the little ones to play on. Check out our full review of Shirley Strickland Reserve here.
Len Packham Reserve, Coolbellup
Where: Cordelia Ave, Coolbellup
Fenced? No
Toilets? No
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes
Len Packham Reserve is a fabulous nature play space, tucked away under the big trees so there’s lots of shade. There’s plenty of opportunity for children to create their own adventure here with a great range of play equipment suitable for all ages and abilities including a stacked log climb, spiral ladder climb, net tunnel bridge, climbing ropes, tunnel slide and a dry creek bed with rocks, plus much more. Check out our full review of Len Packham Reserve here.
Booyeembara Park, Fremantle
Where: Stevens St & Montreal Street, Fremantle
Fenced? No
Toilets? Yes
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes
Booyeembara Park is tucked away amongst the suburbs and is a gorgeous parkland with plenty of open space, bushland, paths and a man-made lake. Within the park is a small playground with swings and a nature-themed play area with huge logs to climb and log stepping stones. There’s also some great musical play equipment for the kids to make plenty of noise! Aside for the children having fun in the park, this is a beautiful tranquil park to explore and relax in the sunshine with a picnic.
Russell Brown Adventure Park, Mosman Park
Where: Downey Dr, Mosman Park
Fenced? No but there is a separate fenced playground for little ones
Toilets? Yes
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes
This is a fantastic nature-based adventure park, nestled amongst trees by the river, near the Mosman Park Tennis Club. It is so hidden away you wouldn’t even know it was there! In fact, most people probably stumble upon it whilst they’re enjoying a walk. There are so many trees, branches, logs and rope to climb, balance on and swing on, as well as a quaint little running brook for plenty of water play fun and cubby houses for creative play. There’s a lake nearby so make sure to keep an eye on your little ones.
Bassett Reserve Nature Playground, North Lake
Where: Rossetti Court, North Lake
Fenced? No
Toilets? No
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? No
Situated under shady trees, Bassett Reserve has a small nature playground with climbing and balancing challenges for kids of younger ages. This one is definitely more suited to toddlers and pre schoolers.
Webber Reserve, Willagee
Where: Hodge Street, Willagee
Fenced? No
Toilets? Yes
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes
Webber Reserve is a great open space with a playground in one area and a nature play in another. Children can climb over rocks, up ropes, along logs and through tyres to create their own adventure. Dogs are welcome at this park off the leash, so you may have a visit from a dog enjoying the open space too!
If you want to explore outdoor play further and learn more about the benefits, Nature Play WA Inc has some great resources that will open up your outdoor world to new adventures for you and your family.
For more park and playground inspiration, head to our articles in Parks & Playgrounds where you can find local information to keep you and your kids busy.
